She flushed again, wondering how far Sesshoumaru's claim went. Why was it enough for Inuyasha but not Kouga? Was it only because he'd witnessed the claim for himself?
She glanced at Sango and Miroku, the former glaring at the wolf, fingers twitching against the hilt of her sword. She looked ready to enter the fight at a moment's notice. Kagome wasn't the only one fed up with Kouga's shenanigans. But this wasn't Sango's fight, nor was it Inuyasha's, and he would keep coming back if she didn't put her foot down now. And next time would likely end in bloodshed.
She patted Inuyasha's chest. "Thanks. I've got it from here."
Inuyasha's gaze flickered between her and the wolf. "Ya sure?"
Kagome raised an eyebrow in what she hoped was a passable impression of his brother. "Don't you trust me?"
"He's the one who can't keep his hands to himself. Or his fuckin' mouth shut." He raised his voice, making sure Kouga heard the second part, and the wolf bristled.
"Don't start with me, mutt-face. The adults are talking."
Kagome sighed, pressing her hand into her friend's chest to keep him from engaging in Kouga's taunt. Inuyasha rolled his shoulders, trying to dispel his agitation, but he kept his eyes on her. "He's doin' that on purpose so I'll fight him. He wants to show off."
"I know."
"I ain't gonna give him the satisfaction."
"Thank you." She offered him a genuine smile, and his ears flattened before he walked toward the fire, slumping down next to Sango. The slayer patted him on the shoulder before Miroku slung an arm around his neck, congratulating him on his maturity.